ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY (WBFF) — 10 people have been indicted in three contraband smuggling schemes at Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI), according to Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown.
In the first scheme, Correctional Officer Sergeant Awungjia Rita Atabong, a 13-year veteran, smuggled drugs into JCI on behalf of multiple incarcerated people.
Authorities said that Atabong regularly met with people acting on behalf of those imprisoned, and received contraband packages that she would smuggle into the facility.
Atabong would communicate with inmates using contraband cell phones, and was paid thousands of dollars for completing several smuggling trips.
Officials said in one egregious act, Atabong tipped off a prisoner that members of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) were engaged in an active operation.
On July 14, authorities executed a search warrant at Atabong’s residence in Anne Arundel County.
She was found to be in possession of a large amount of contraband that was packaged to be smuggled into the prison, including:
As a result, Atabong is charged in a 40-count indictment, including charges of misconduct in office, contraband conspiracy, and possession of controlled dangerous substances with intent to distribute.
Four inmates were also indicted in the scheme on charges of contraband conspiracy and illegal possession of a telecommunications device in a place of confinement:
In the second scheme, Correctional Educator Lakesha Murry is alleged to have exploited her position to smuggle drugs, food, and other contraband into JCI for incarcerated students in exchange for money and luxury items, including a Gucci bag.
Authorities said that Murry communicated directly with some of her incarcerated students using a contraband cell phone, and took requests for prohibited items.
Officials said that Murry would hide items on her person and then distribute them to her conspirators while in the JCI classroom.
Security footage showed Murry kissing one of her students on at least one occasion.
On April 21, a search of prisoner and co-conspirator Allen Mitchell’s cell phone revealed unauthorized food.
On June 9, Murry passed cigarettes and five pieces of paper soaked with synthetic cannabis to prisoner Kevin Glover while they were in the JCI classroom.
In this scheme, Murry was charged in a 15-count indictment, including charges of misconduct in office, contraband conspiracy, and possession of controlled dangerous substances with intent to distribute.
Two inmates, Mitchell, 39, and Glover, 46, were indicted in the scheme on charges of contraband conspiracy and illegal possession of a telecommunications device in a place of confinement.
In the third and final scheme, Correctional Officer Kathryn Hawes was engaged in an inappropriate relationship with prisoner Artemis Booker.
Officials said that Hawes coordinated with multiple imprisoned co-conspirators through texts and calls from their contraband cell phones.
Among the items Hawes provided was a watch, which she sent photos of to Booker’s cell phone.
When investigators searched Booker’s phone, they recovered the watch and other contraband, including a flash drive and tobacco.
Authorities said when Hawes was arrested at JCI in connection to the indictment, she was found to be hiding additional contraband on her person that she had smuggled into the facility.
Both Hawes, 29, and Booker, 50, were charged in the indictment.
In September 2025, AG Brown charged several incarcerated people with possession of contraband cell phones that were uncovered during the investigation into the schemes.
Murry, Atabong, and Hawes were released after being charged in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, while the prisoners are currently being held while serving other sentences.
We trust correctional staff to keep prisons safe – not smuggle contraband to the people they supervise,” said Attorney General Brown, via a press release. “Our Office will always prosecute public servants who abuse their positions and undermine prison safety.
“The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services seeks to hold all State employees to the highest standards, and any allegations of misconduct are taken with utmost seriousness,” said DPSCS Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, via a press release. “Upon learning of potential wrongdoing, the Department initiated a comprehensive investigation, which culminated in warrants being issued for the individuals involved. Our detectives executed the arrests promptly, and in accordance with departmental policy, any DPSCS employee who has been so charged will be suspended and will remain so throughout the disciplinary process. We are very proud of DPSCS detectives and investigators whose diligent work led to the successful conclusion of this investigation and the apprehension of the employees involved.”
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